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They set off the next morning after carefully leading the horses down the slippery ramps that led to the covered raft. Once they had tethered their mounts firmly to the back wall of the craft, they cut the lines that secured the raft to the dock, and took positions on the rope that was threaded through the craft. They began what they expected to be the strenuous task of pulling the awkward craft through the pounding surf, but were pleasantly surprised by how easily the craft moved across the choppy waves. Damion soon insisted that the others relax while he took over the job of pulling the craft across the vast lake.
“I don't feel so good.” Garth exclaimed an hour or so after they departed, his face a strange shade of green. He rushed over to one of the sliding panels and wrenched it open, then began to retch loudly.
“It must be something that you ate.” Sly told him with a grin.
“Leave Garth alone.” Dar chuckled. “It’s not his fault he’s seasick.”
“How are you holding up?” The scruffy little man asked Damion curiously.
“I’m okay.” Damion replied with a shrug. “I’ll let you know if I need any help.”
“Well, don’t strain yourself by overdoing it.” Sly murmured setting back against the wall of the craft comfortably. “Pace yourself so you don’t run out of energy.”
“You’re just lazy.” Kariah accused the scruffy little man with a disapproving frown. “You don’t want him to wear himself out so you can just lounge there swilling your ale.”
“Yep.” Sly agreed with a grin, reaching for his tankard.
Damion didn’t mind the scruffy little man’s admitted laziness. He welcomed the distraction of work. His mind was a torment of angry thoughts. The frustration of chasing Kaviel across the continent was building, and he felt helpless to stop all the destruction that his father's killer was wreaking. His mind was also in a whirlwind of confusion and strange feelings for the young elf maiden, Kariah. The young girl's fondness for him had grown strong during their time together, and they now seemed to share an unspoken bond with one another. She seemed to look past his amazing, almost frightening powers, as well as his deformity, and saw the true person within.
He glanced over and saw young elf maiden staring at him unabashedly. She flashed him a bright beautiful smile, and he could not help but smile back. She continued to watch him as he labored, a playful smile still hovering about her lips.
He continued his task throughout the night, unwilling to risk casting anchor and being tossed about in the rough waters. He wasn't sure if the craft was up to that type of punishment, and wasn't willing to chance everyone's lives to find out. One by one the others fell asleep, leaving him to his torment of raging thoughts, interrupted only occasionally by Garth's pitiful moans.
Once or twice he thought he caught sight of several large serpent-like creatures gliding effortlessly through water next to the raft, but after a while they disappeared into the darkness, and he decided not to bother the others. Whatever the creatures were, as long as they didn't bother their craft, he felt they were not a problem.
It was almost midday the following day when the opposite shoreline came into view through the heavy fog. They docked against another covered dock, then carefully led horses up the slippery ramps to the shelter. They discovered a room identical to the one in the boathouse on the opposite side of the lake, and immediately set about building a fire, then they sat back and relaxed, relieved to finally be back on dry land.
“I will never step foot on another watercraft for the rest of my life!” Garth swore, his face still an ugly shade of green.
Damion wearily leaned against a wall, his shoulders and arms stiff from the strenuous labor. He groaned as he slowly lowered himself to the floor, and drew an unsympathetic look from Sly. “You shouldn't have done all of the work by yourself.” The little man chided heartlessly. “You think it’s bad now, just wait until tomorrow!”
Damion ignored him, and closed his eyes. He wouldn’t admit it to the others, but he had found the experience of being aboard the covered raft almost as unpleasant as Garth. The only thing that kept him from vomiting all over the deck was focusing on the rope, and speeding their progress towards solid ground. He was quite ashamed of himself for this weakness, and had forced himself to ignore the uneasy feeling he felt as the waves had tossed them about.
They set off into the misty fog the following morning, riding carefully down the rocky shoreline in search of a serviceable trail leading to the south. The terrain gradually changed as they moved down the beach, changing from rocky gravel to a fine white sand. The steep cliff sides that surrounded the beach fell away to open terrain that was marred only by a few large rock formations.
“If it wasn't for this depressing fog and horrible smell, this place would almost be a suitable place to settle.” Kariah commented, glancing around at the serene landscape. She tried to envision the glistening white sand on a bright sunny day.
“I think the strange and deadly creatures that infest the area might take a bit of getting used to, as well.” Garth snorted in amusement.
“That fog has enveloped this lake for thousands of years.” Dar said as he stared out at the mist, his tiny face grim. “Some say it is the result of some unthinkable evil that cursed the entire lake, and made a beacon for dark creatures. That’s why no one has tried to settle the area.”
They soon located a suitable trail and struck off to the south, eager to put the depressing lake behind them. It started to rain heavily after a mile or so, and the wind returned, bringing with it the blessed smell of fresh air. Snowfeather circled lazily overhead as a look out, though he complained constantly of the drizzling rain soaking his soft feathers. They continued moving at a steady trot for most of the day, finally leaving the rain behind for a clear, almost cloudless evening sky. They set up camp that night behind a large rock formation, and took special precautions to conceal their fire to avoid any unexpected visitors.
“Are we sure that going to the dragon’s lair is really a good idea?” Garth asked that night as they finished their meal of freshly snared rabbit.
Damion nodded. “It’s our best chance of catching it by surprise. Once it’s been destroyed, I can finally get my hands on Kaviel.”
Dar gave him a disapproving look, but said nothing.
“Do you really think we stand a chance against a dragon?” The little dwarf asked doubtfully. “I’ve heard the stories of their massive size and fiery breath. They were said to be nearly invincible!”
“The Dragon Sword should help to defeat the dragon, but we’ll still have to be very careful. Kaviel still has the Dragon Gem, and no one knows what it’s capable of.”
“And we still haven’t found any trace of my Gretta.” Garth sighed sadly. “I’m beginning to fear I shall never see her again.”
“Don’t give up hope, yet.” Damion reassured him. “We may still find her.”
The dwarf frowned, then moved away from the fire, and settled down in the shadows.
Everyone settled in for the night, leaving Snowfeather to watch over them while they slept. Damion lay awake for several hours staring at the glittering stars. His gaze kept returning to the constellation of the Dragon God, Draco. It was the oddest feeling, but for some reason, Damion couldn’t help but feel as though the Dragon God stared down at him from the heavens with a dreadful anticipation. He finally fell into a fitful sleep as exhaustion overcame him.